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This device is called a Flexhaler. It is a breath-activated device, which means that the medication is released when you inhale.

Before you use the Flexhaler for the very first time, you will need to prime it. To prime the Flexhaler, twist off the cap and hold the device straight up. Turn the bottom to the left and then to the right. You will hear a click. Now repeat this. You do not have to prime the Flexhaler any other time.

When you are ready to take your medication, you will need to load it. To load the medication, hold the Flexhaler up straight, turn the bottom to the left and then back to the right and you’ll hear the click. The medication is now loaded and ready for you to take.

Once the medication is loaded, you’ll need to keep the Flexhaler steady. Do not shake it or cough or breathe into it or you will lose some of the medication. To take your medication, turn away from the mouthpiece and breathe out. Then carefully bring the Flexhaler to your mouth and seal your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Breathe in rapidly and deeply and hold your breath as long as you can – up to 10 seconds. Let’s see what that should look like. We’ve already loaded our medication and we’re ready to go.

Repeat for each dose you’ve been told to take, starting with the loading of the medication. Always rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after using the Flexhaler. The Flexhaler has a dose counter window below the mouthpiece. It will let you know approximately how many doses are left. When the device is full, you will either see the number 120 or 60 at the center of the window, depending on your prescription. As you use your device, you will notice that the numbers decrease by 10, alternating numbers and dashes going down to 0. For example, if your Flexhaler starts at 120, after 10 doses, you will see a dash in the middle of the window. After 10 more doses, you will see the number 100. After 10 more doses, you will see a dash with 90 doses remaining. The Flexhaler will count down to 0 in the center of the window when the device is empty. When the Flexhaler is empty, you will still hear a sound when you shake the device, but it’s not the medication. It is the drying agent that keeps the medication dry.

To clean the Flexhaler, do not put it in water. Simply wipe the mouthpiece with a clean cloth when it appears dirty or at least every week. And then be sure to keep the cap on the Flexhaler® after each use to help it stay clean.